Abstract: An IV port body defining an IV port includes a valve body configured as a luer fitting, and a movable valve member defining an outer periphery that is uninterrupted within the periphery is disposed in the valve body. The valve member is biased to a first configuration, wherein a passageway for fluid communication is not established through the valve body. Also, the valve member can be moved to a second configuration, wherein fluid communication through the body is permitted.

Abstract: A drop monitoring unit for monitoring the rate of drop formation in an infusion set includes an attaching section at its upper end for attaching the drop monitoring unit to the inlet tube of the infusion set, and a pair of spaced parallel arms depending below the attaching section to straddle the opposite sides of the drip chamber, one of the arms including a light transmitter, and the other including a light receiver.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intravenous fluid infusion system that includes a dual-sight drip chamber. The infusion system allows for improved, inexpensive and convenient administration of IV fluids during anesthesia and surgery, using the principles with which practicing anesthesia providers are most comfortable with.

Abstract: A drip chamber includes a cap that extends the field of view of a droplet in a vertical direction above the plane of the droplet, as well as horizontally in the plane of the droplet. The drip chamber has a deformable body and an interior volume to accommodate manual air purging and priming by squeezing the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drip chamber for an intravenous infusion set. The invention also relates to a method of making drip chambers, and further, to an intravenous infusion set including a drip chamber. The invention is provided with a drip chamber comprising a housing defining a chamber to be located in a vertical position and including an inlet at the top and an outlet at the bottom; a first hydrophilic filter covering the outlet effective, when wet, to permit the flow therethrough of a liquid and to block the flow therethrough of air; and a second hydrophilic filter covering the inlet also effective, when wet, to permit the flow therethrough of a liquid and to block the flow therethrough of air.

Abstract: Drip chamber heads are disclosed for attachment to drip chambers in which the drip chamber head includes a vertical body, a first connector for connecting the body to a blood supply, and a drip tube disposed within the body including a depending lower portion, the upper portion of the drip tube being in communication with the first connector so that blood may be supplied to the drip chamber through the first connector and the drip tube, thereby providing the blood at an adjustable level within the drip chamber with an air filled region thereabove, a second connector disposed at the upper portion of the body for communicating with the air filled region of the drip chamber, and an air permeable filter disposed at the upper portion of the body between the second connector and the adjustable level of blood within the drip chamber whereby the air pressure within the air filter region of the drip chamber can be sensed through the second connector.

Abstract: An I.V. apparatus including a stand, a bag hangably supported at an upper end thereof from the stand and adapted to contain an I.V. solution, a delivery tube for intravenous delivery of the I.V. solution to a patient by a catheter, a drip chamber extending downwardly at an upper end thereof from a lower end of the I.V. bag and connected at a lower end thereof with the delivery tube, a metering device positioned at the lower end of the I.V. bag and operative to deliver I.V. solution in drip fashion from the I.V. bag to the drip chamber, and an illumination device to insure that the desired drippage flow is taking place. The illumination device comprises a lamp assembly including a housing, batteries positioned within the housing, a light source positioned in the housing and powered by the batteries, a switch controlling the delivery of power from the batteries to the light source, and a clamp for releasably attaching the lamp to the upper end of the drip chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for electronically monitoring and displaying digital flow data relevant to the administration of a parenteral fluid, such as a contrast medium, to a patient is disclosed. The system includes a disposable fluid flow indicator, adapted to be detachably connected in fluid communication with a contrast media source. The fluid flow indicator measures the amount of contrast media dispensed from the source and administered to a patient, and provides an indication of the amount dispensed based on the movement of a displacement indicator.Also disclosed is an electronic controller, which is adapted to be detachably connected to the fluid flow indicator. The controller includes a sensor interface circuit, which operably interfaces the electronic controller circuitry with the fluid flow indicator so that the fluid flow measurement indicator is optically detected by the sensor circuit, which in turn generates a representative electrical flow signal.

Abstract: A fluid gas removal drip chamber for use for parenteral administration of fluids is disclosed. The drip chamber has a hydrophobic barrier which extends into the interior of the drip chamber. The hydrophobic barrier preferably comprises at least a portion of a three-dimensional surface. In one embodiment, an inlet port allows fluid to enter the drip chamber from the top so that the fluid falls through an air space formed in the top of the drip chamber. By shaping the inlet port so that droplets of fluid are formed, a health care professional can monitor the fluid drip rate. In another embodiment, the hydrophobic barrier is configured so that little or no air space exists at the top of the drip chamber. The drip chamber includes means for venting air that is separated from the fluid within the chamber and, at the same time, preventing air from entering the chamber through the venting means.

Abstract: A drip chamber for an intravenous fluid delivery system includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port, and defining a chamber between the inlet and outlet ports, the housing configured to channel intravenous fluid in a flow path from the inlet port through the chamber and to the outlet port. A member supported in the chamber between the inlet and outlet ports is positioned so that the intravenous fluid flowing through the chamber impinges against the member to reduce the velocity of the intravenous fluid and minimize formation of air bubbles in the intravenous fluid.

Abstract: A drip chamber has an open distal end and a luer fitting is positioned in the open distal end of the drip chamber to engage a complementary fitting associated with another IV component, e.g., an IV fluid bag. Thus, the drip chamber can be engaged with an IV bag without the use of "sharps".

Abstract: A fluid delivery set has three lengths of flexible tubing. The first length of flexible tubing at one end is connectable to or integral with a supply container for enteral or parenteral fluid, and at the other end is connected to the inlet of a drip chamber. The second length of flexible tubing is connected at one end to the outlet of the drip chamber, and at the other end to the inlet of a retention/connector device that has about a 90.degree. bend therein. The third length of flexible tubing is connected at one end to outlet of the retention/connector device, and at the other end is connectable to or integral with a means for introducing an enteral or parenteral fluid into the body of a patient. Preferably, a tension responsive pinch valve is operatively associated with the second length of flexible tubing.

Abstract: An air elimination device for removing air or gas bubbles from aqueous liquids flowing through an intravenous delivery system. The device comprises a housing having an interior chamber, an inlet passage, an outlet passage, and one or more vent openings. The inlet passage delivers the liquid into the interior chamber. The outlet passage delivers the liquid from the interior chamber. A hydrophobic membrane is attached to the housing and positioned over the vent openings. The hydrophobic membrane allows gas bubbles in the aqueous liquid that enter the interior chamber of the housing to pass through the vent openings while preventing the liquid from passing through the vent openings. The outlet passage comprises a stem which extends inwardly into the interior chamber and terminates in an interior end.

Abstract: A system for managing delivery of contrast media from a contrast media source to a patient. The system includes a chamber for receiving fluid from the contrast media source in a controlled manner. Attached at one end of the chamber is an inlet line and, at the opposite end, an outlet line. Disposed in the outlet line is a valve. The valve provides a first position which permits the flow of contrast media through the line. The valve further provides a second position which permits flow of fluid from the point of the valve toward the patient, while at the same time venting the system at the point of the valve.

Abstract: Drip chambers and expansion chambers for the transfer of blood are disclosed, including a housing, an entry port in the upper portion of the housing, an exit port in the lower portion of the housing, and at least one filter integral with either the upper or lower housing portions. Methods for manufacturing these chambers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drip chamber has an open distal end and a luer fitting is positioned in the open distal end of the drip chamber to engage a complementary fitting associated with another IV component, e.g., an IV fluid bag. Thus, the drip chamber can be engaged with an IV bag without the use of "sharps".

Abstract: A drop detector circuit and method are provided for a drop detector of the type including a drop chamber and a light emitter and corresponding detector located on opposite sides of the drop chamber. The detector is saturated by light emitted from the light emitter to produce a saturated detector output signal. The detector circuit senses variations in the detector output signal caused by drops passing through the drop chamber between the emitter and detector that block light emitted by the emitter from reaching the detector. The detector circuit senses the slope of the variations in the detector output signal and produces a control signal when the slope exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A solution administration apparatus for patient care, for use with an associated solution administration system, which apparatus includes a laser drilled orifice flow control device to provide a controlled, predetermined flow rate of solution to the patient. The apparatus includes a tubing set and a laser drilled orifice flow restrictor, formed in a body, and in fluid communication therewith, for use with an associated fluid supply container. The system provides a controlled, predetermined flow rate of solution to the patient which is independent of, and relatively constant over minor variations in solution supply pressure and viscosity.

Abstract: A compact, integrated intravenous fluid delivery device. In one embodiment, the invention may be used with first and second intravenous fluid sources and an intravenous fluid line. This embodiment includes a spike for connecting the device to the first intravenous fluid source. A fluid passageway passes through the spike. A connection site (e.g. a puncture site) connects the device to the second intravenous fluid source. This embodiment also includes a drip chamber, through which the fluid may flow to the intravenous fluid line. This embodiment may include an adjustable valve, which includes a flexible tube mounted so that fluid may pass from the fluid passageway in the spike, from the connection site, and through the tube. The valve includes an actuator mounted with respect to the tube so that it may be urged to compress the tube. The spike, the adjustable valve, and the drip chamber are rigidly attached to each other, with no flexible tubing between the various components.

Abstract: A device for controlling flow rate in an intravenous line comprises a housing having an inlet port adapted to be connected to an incoming segment of an intravenous line and an outlet port adapted to be connected to an outgoing segment of the intravenous line. A valve is disposed in the housing between the inlet port and the outlet port. The device further comprises a first valve adjustment mechanism mounted to the housing and operatively connected to the valve for setting the valve to select a desired flow rate, the first valve adjustment mechanism being manually adjustable for selecting the desired flow rate. A second valve adjustment mechanism is mounted to the housing and is operatively connected to the valve for automatically and temporarily closing the valve in response to the exceeding of the desired flow rate by an average flow rate of intravenous fluid into the housing through the inlet port.

Abstract: An infuser apparatus for the delivery of fluid at accurate and controlled rates of flow comprising a housing, a deformable member, inlet means and outlet means. Fluid is introduced through the inlet means forcing the deformable member to bend away from its normal position and to generate a pressure force against the fluid introduced. When the outlet means is opened, the fluid is expelled by means of the deformable member returning to its normal position. The infuser apparatus may expel the fluid at either a constant or at a varied and controlled rate depending on the configuration of the deformable member. Further, multiple infusers may be coupled together in a fluid delivery system.

Abstract: A drop detector circuit and method are provided for a drop detector of the type including a drop chamber and an electro-optical sensor. A photodiode detects drops passing through its optical sensing path, and a capacitor is connected between the photodiode and an amplifier to block the DC component of the diode signal. After amplification, the signal is passed through a low pass filter to further block signals caused by undesirable factors. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter is controlled by a microprocessor that controls the pump that pumps liquid from the drop chamber.

Abstract: A device for use in controlling the intravenous drip comprises a cap and a dripping vessel. The cap is connected with a solution bottle of the intravenous drip by means of an upper connecting tube while the dripping vessel is in communication with a hypodermic needle by means of a lower connecting tube. The cap is provided thereon with a gas column having therein a gas duct in which a press rod is movably disposed. The gas in the upper connecting tube and the dripping vessel can be let out rapidly by means of the press rod.

Abstract: A device for infusion or transfusion can be connected to a flexible tube line (16). The regulating arrangement (8, 9, 10, 12) for regulating the flow rate of the fluid through the flexible tube line (16) is a rigid structural member of the intravenous drip chamber (1) containing the infusion or transfusion liquid. The flow rate is regulated by means of a regulating nut (12) which effectively connects the regulating knob (10) with a flexible tube line (16). The structural member has a tubular connection piece (2) provided with a closed end (3) and having lateral perforations (4). The tubular connection piece (2) is coaxially spaced by a surrounding tubular threaded pipe (6) divided into segments (8, 9) separated by dividing points (7). The lateral perforations (4) open into downwardly directed grooves (5) which establish a flow path.

Abstract: A compact intravenous fluid delivery system for intravenous injection of fluid into a patient has in one embodiment a spike, for connection to a fluid supply reservoir whose top and bottom define a vertical interval; a fluid metering device for accepting fluid from the reservoir and for displaying the flow of fluid; a fluid cannula for conveying fluid from the spike to the fluid metering device: a fluid delivery tube for conveying the fluid from the metering device to the patient; and a reservoir mounting frame for mounting the fluid supply reservoir in relation to the metering device so that the metering device is substantially contained within the vertical interval defined by the top and bottom of the reservoir. In a preferred embodiment, an intravenous tube having a length greater than 20 cm provides a conduit for passage of fluid from the fluid reservoir to the metering device.

Abstract: A compact, integrated intravenous fluid delivery device. The invention may be used between an intravenous fluid source and an intravenous fluid line. In this embodiment, the invention includes a housing, through which a fluid passageway is disposed. The fluid passageway passes through a spike, which is used for connecting the housing to the fluid source. The passageway also passes through a rigid drip chamber and a priming element that may be repeatedly compressed in order to urge fluid from the source into the drip chamber and through the intravenous fluid line. The priming element includes a rigid base portion and a membrane. The spike, drip chamber and the base of the priming element all form an integral piece of rigid material. This embodiment may further include a valve chamber disposed in the housing, such that the fluid passageway enters and exits the chamber through two mouths.

Abstract: A station for temporarily housing the tip and shaft of a needle or blunt cannula within a protected environment in which an elastomeric core extends into a bore formed in a housing having a tubular shape. An integral shield extends outwardly from the tubular housing between proximal and distal ends and protects the fingers during use. The portion of the housing between the closed end and the shield serves as a handle. Preferably the elastomeric core and housing are molded together by insert or core molding.

Abstract: Liquid infusion apparatus comprises a drip chamber in which an outlet tube projecting into the chamber is enclosed by a cap including a side wall enclosing the upper portion of the outlet tube. The cap side wall has an inner diameter which is substantially largre than the outer diameter of the outlet tube, to thereby define a large passageway at the entrance of the outlet tube. This passageway substantially reduces the flow velocity of the liquid at its interface with the air in the drip chamber, and thereby substantially eliminates the possibility of air bubbles being trapped within the liquid fed through the outlet tube under high rates of liquid flow and under exceptionally rough handling conditions, such as when the transfusion is being administered while the patient is in a helicopter or in a land vehicle.

Abstract: An intravenous flow controller having inlet and outlet ends. An icicle or stylus drop former is positioned in fluid communication between the inlet end and the outlet end. A diaphragm in fluid communication with said inlet ends and the icicle drop former. A collection tube for collecting drops of fluid from the icicle drop former. A flow variation device for controlling flow of aggregate drops collected in the collection tube to the outlet end.

Abstract: An intravenous alert system that uses CMOS circuitry. An infrared transmitter and receiver detects drops as they fall through a drip chamber. Each passing drop retriggers a counter. If the counter is not retriggered after a certain set delay time an alarm signal is sent out. The device uses both audio and visual alarms. A special adjustable housing contains all of the electronic components of the alert system.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a check valve comprising a structure for channeling a flow of a first fluid and first and second porous elements for permitting flow of the first fluid and substantially preventing flow of a second fluid. The first and second porous elements extend across the channeling structure, engaging and sealing against the channeling structure to define a pocket between the first and second porous elements. The pocket contains the second fluid.

Abstract: A parenteral delivery system and a formulation chamber are disclosed for administering a beneficial agent. The parenteral delivery system comprises a drip chamber and a formulation chamber. The formulation chamber comprises a wall surrounding an internal space and it has an inlet for admitting a liquid into the formulation chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the formulation chamber. The chamber houses an agent delivery system for releasing a beneficial agent into a liquid that enters the chamber.

Abstract: A drip metering apparatus, as for parenteral liquid infusion, includes a coupling arrangement providing multiple passageways from a liquid supply connector to a drip chamber. The passageways lead from the supply connector to respective drop-forming outlets, with the outlets of the different passageways being dimensioned to form different drop sizes and disposed to introduce the respective drops into an upper region of the drip chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the passageways are coaxial with one another and with the drip chamber, with the outer passageway being bounded in part by a resiliently flexible, relatively large diameter outer tube and the inner passageway being bounded by a relatively rigid, relatively small diameter inner tube.

Abstract: A portable, self contained, infusion monitor is disclosed which can be easily and quickly attached to the drip chamber of an IV set. The monitor detects each drop of liquid falling through the drip chamber and calculates the volumetric flow rate of liquid passing through the IV set. A display for visually recording the flow rate is provided on the monitor along with an adjustable control member for calibrating the monitor for use with any IV set employing tubing having any drop factor.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the safe, passive reconstruction of a drug or other beneficial agent, without requiring manual reconstitution steps. The apparatus includes a housing, preferably having a receptacle "in-line" in an administration set and forming part of an intravenous delivery system, and a cartridge adapted for receiving a beneficial agent or beneficial agent and carrier. The cartridge is plugged into the receptacle to initiate reconstitution of the agent. The apparatus creates first and second delivery modes, in which the delivery rate of the agent to a patient is independent from and dependent upon, respectively, the fluid flow rate through the intravenous delivery system.

Abstract: A flow regulator for liquid to be administered parenterally to a patient comprises a first member having a flow passage therein for the liquid and a second member arranged to be adjustably telescoped in the passage. The first and second members are constructed such that they can be telescopingly positioned to form a flow rate controlling channel which restricts the flow rate as a function of the length of the channel. The length of the channel is adjustable by changing the relative position of the first and second members. An adjustment force applied to the outside of the regulator is transmitted to the second member within the flow regulator for changing the channel length and therefore the flow rate. The flow regulator can include a drip chamber positioned immediately above the second member for convenient adjustment of the flow rate. Sealing against leakage of air into the flow regulator is attainable because the flow rate controlling second member is located entirely within the first member.

Abstract: A parenteral fluid administration set includes a non-vented adapter having a frusto-conically shaped recess therein for removably engaging the tapered tip of a vented container. The adapter includes a bore therethrough communicating with the recess. A drip chamber having an upper portion with a conduit therethrough and a flexible transparent body portion extending downwardly from the upper portion and terminating in a lower end, is provided. The upper portion of the drip chamber is connected to the adapter so that the bore and the conduit are in fluid communication. A flexible tube includes a first end connected to the lower end of the body portion of the drip chamber and a second end. Fluid delivery means for facilitating the delivery of parenteral fluid from the tube to the patient is connected to the second end of the tube.

Abstract: A formulation chamber is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a lumen containing a device for delivering a beneficial agent. The chamber has an inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the chamber. The chamber is adapted for use in an intravenous delivery system for delivering an agent formulation to a patient.

Abstract: A system is provided for the automatic, self-checking switching of a medical infusion controller among a plurality of modes of operation. A medical infusion controller has a plurality of pressure-sensitive switches, each of which corresponds to a different mode of operation. A drip chamber is provided with nub elements in one of a variety of possible configurations, each of which correspond to one of the pressure-sensitive switches on the controller. When the drip chamber is placed in the controller, the nub configuration activates the corresponding switch. If the controller detects an incorrect number of nubs, it delivers an error message.

Abstract: A drug delivery apparatus is disclosed comprising a formulation chamber and an electrotransport device on the outside of the formulation chamber for transporting an electrically charged drug from the outside into a medical fluid that flows through the formulation chamber over drug delivery time.

Abstract: Blood is stored under refrigeration at a temperature of about 4.degree. C. When it is utilized on a relatively rapid basis within a surgical theater it is transported by tubing through a blood warming apparatus which, while warming the blood, causes an outgasing of entrained air. This air is trapped in an air trap receptacle having a drip chamber within which a gas-blood interface is developed. To assure that the capacity of the trap is not exceeded, an improved technique of gas removal and interface level setting is provided wherein access is achieved essentially through the entrance region of the gas trap receptacle.

Abstract: A drug formulation chamber for an intravenous administration set is provided. The intravenous administration set includes a container of an IV fluid, a drip chamber, a drug formulation chamber, and an adapter-needle assembly. The drug formulation chamber houses a diffusional or an osmotically driven drug delivery device. The osmotically driven delivery device has a semipermeable, microporous or diffusional wall which surrounds a compartment containing the drug. Drug is delivered through an orifice in the semipermeable/microporous wall or through the diffusional wall itself, into the IV fluid. The device delivers drug into the IV fluid at a rate that is independent of the flow rate of IV fluid through the formulation chamber. The rate of drug delivery is controlled by variably adjusting the surface area of the semipermeable/microporous/diffusional wall that is exposed to the IV fluid flowing through the drug formulation chamber.

Abstract: A parenteral fluid administration set includes a non-vented adapter having a frusto-conically shaped recess therein for removably engaging the tapered tip of a vented container. The adapter includes a bore therethrough communicating with the recess. A drip chamber having an upper portion with a conduit therethrough and a flexible transparent body portion extending downwardly from the upper portion and terminating in a lower end, is provided. The upper portion of the drip chamber is connected to the adapter so that the bore and the conduit are in fluid communication. A flexible tube includes a first end connected to the lower end of the body portion of the drip chamber and a second end. Fluid delivery means for facilitating the delivery of parenteral fluid from the tube to the patient is connected to the second end of the tube.

Abstract: Arrangement for controlling and regulating a liquid (2) flowing through a line (3). The arrangement comprises a valve body (9) provided with a press-on or deforming element (11) moveable along the line and designed to cooperate with the said line for regulating the flow of the liquid (2), by means of restriction thereof to varying degrees. In the line (3) there is fitted a continuous hollow element (4) having a number of openings (8) through which the said liquid can flow. The press-on element (11) moveable along the hollow element (4) is designed to press the line (3) against the said element (4). By this means a shifting of the press-on element can be carried out such that an optional area of the openings can be uncovered for throughflow since that part of the hollow element where the said area is located is situated on the outlet side in relation to the press-on element.

Abstract: A formulation chamber is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a lumen containing a device for delivering a beneficial agent. The chamber has an inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the chamber. The chamber is adapted for use in an intravenous delivery system for delivering an agent formulation to a patient.

Abstract: Intravenous infusion sets suitable for the parenteral administration of nitroglycerin solutions and methods of using such sets are provided. The intravenous infusion sets and methods herein utilize flexible drip tubes having their inner surfaces constructed of polyolefin plastic material. Polyolefin or polyolefin-lined drip tubes can be advantageously used to infuse nitroglycerin solutions with minimized loss of nitroglycerin solution potency.

Abstract: A modular infusion pump system utilizes a positive displacement pump for pumping a known quantity of fluid for each stroke. A plurality of longitudinally spaced apart fixed combs cooperate with a resilient tube to define a known pumping volume. A plurality of movable combs are interdigitated with the fixed combs and are periodically linearly directed to cause the pump volume to be compressed, and therefore the fluid expelled. A rotary to linear drive system is connected with the movable combs and a ratchet system prevents counterrotation when the motor is in the off position. Valves are disposed above and below the pumping unit to appropriately seal off the pumping volume. The valves and the movable combs are operated by means of cams carried by a common shaft.

Abstract: A flexible tube is mounted on top of the drip chamber. The top of the tube is connected to the spike via a one-way ball-type valve. The bottom of the tube is connected to the drip chamber via a duck-bill-type valve inside of the drip chamber. The duck-bill is held closed against head pressure by a metal spring clip acting on the lip. The duck-bill will open when the tube is squeezed and fluid will be injected into the drip chamber.The drip chamber is charged bubble-free by the use of an output tube open to the chamber and joined to the flexible tubing carrying the hypodermic needle. During the initial fill the output tube is positioned above the fluid level and air in the chamber vented via the output tube, the flexible tubing and the hypodermic needle. When the desired level is reached, the output tube is submerged and bubble-free fluid fills the output tube, the flexible tubing, and the hypodermic needle.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling flow of a first fluid through a line. Dispensing means isolates a region of the first fluid in the line from effects of pressure in the line outside of the region and repetitively dispenses into and out of the region volume increments of first fluid. Measurement fluid housing means houses measurement fluid in communication with the region such that the dispensing of increments of first fluid into or out of the region causes a change in the measurement fluid pressure. Displacement means displaces a predetermined volume increment of measurement fluid into and out of the measurement fluid housing means, such that displacement of the predetermined volume increment causes a change in the measurement fluid pressure when the region is isolated by the dispensing means. Pressure measurement means measures changes in measurement fluid pressure.

Abstract: A formulation chamber is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a lumen containing a device for delivering a beneficial agent. The chamber has an inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the chamber. The chamber is adapted for use in an intravenous delivery system for delivering an agent formulation to a patient.